Community Calendar

Dialogues of the Carmelites
Music and libretto by Francis Poulenc
Featuring the JMU Opera Theatre

In 1794, during the final days of the French Revolution, a group of Carmelite nuns joyously went to the guillotine singing psalms and hymns of praise. This defiant display of love and generosity in the face of certain death helped turn the tide of the Reign of Terror and has inspired countless individuals in times of crisis and turmoil. This fascinating moment in history became the subject of French composer Francis Poulenc’s 1956 opera. Written in the wake of World War II, Dialogues of the Carmelites is a profound meditation unlike any other work in the repertoire. Through beautiful choruses and intricate scenes, the opera explores how we live, how we die, how we fall apart, how we come together, and why we must keep singing to the very end. Sung in English with English surtitles.

Dialogues of the Carmelites
Music and libretto by Francis Poulenc
Featuring the JMU Opera Theatre

In 1794, during the final days of the French Revolution, a group of Carmelite nuns joyously went to the guillotine singing psalms and hymns of praise. This defiant display of love and generosity in the face of certain death helped turn the tide of the Reign of Terror and has inspired countless individuals in times of crisis and turmoil. This fascinating moment in history became the subject of French composer Francis Poulenc’s 1956 opera. Written in the wake of World War II, Dialogues of the Carmelites is a profound meditation unlike any other work in the repertoire. Through beautiful choruses and intricate scenes, the opera explores how we live, how we die, how we fall apart, how we come together, and why we must keep singing to the very end. Sung in English with English surtitles.

The esteemed Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC) makes its Forbes Center debut in a program that celebrates famed Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s indelible mark on choral singing and classical music. The program features his works alongside other ethereal melodies brought to life by the choir’s resplendent sound. Well-versed in interpreting the spiritual depth that characterizes Pärt’s music, the EPCC has toured the world to critical acclaim and won countless accolades including two GRAMMY Awards for Best Choral Performance, 16 GRAMMY nominations and a Gramophone Award. Led by Tonu Kaljuste, the choir is renowned for its transcendent Gregorian chant and baroque repertoire. These “pure and impassioned, astounding choral artists” (The Wall Street Journal) will charm audiences in this virtuosic concert experience.

Solas is hailed by The Boston Globe as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced.” Since 1995 they have been a galvanizing element in the Irish music scene - a lightning rod of talent and inspiration that set new standards for musicianship, repertoire, and intensity. Over the course of twelve critically acclaimed albums and significant international touring, Solas brought their love for the traditions of Irish music, and their sense of melodic and instrumental adventure to the world. In 2017, after a remarkable two-decade career, Solas decided it was time for a break. Now, after eight years, Solas is back and ready to celebrate its 30th Anniversary at the Forbes Center! Get ready to experience the joy of this magical performance.

PIPPIN
Music and lyrics by Steven Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow
Originally directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse
2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus
Theo ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time GRAMMY winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, PIPPIN is the story of a man’s journey to the extraordinary. The son of a king, Pippin is stuck between what is expected of him and the possibilities that forging his own path holds. His epic journey blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, in search of something greater than what he knows. PIPPIN explores themes of identity, purpose, and the joy that comes from breaking a few rules. Don’t miss this five-time Tony Award-winning musical that is sure to transport its audience to a new world! Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. PIPPIN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and sexual content. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

PIPPIN
Music and lyrics by Steven Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow
Originally directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse
2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus
Theo ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time GRAMMY winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, PIPPIN is the story of a man’s journey to the extraordinary. The son of a king, Pippin is stuck between what is expected of him and the possibilities that forging his own path holds. His epic journey blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, in search of something greater than what he knows. PIPPIN explores themes of identity, purpose, and the joy that comes from breaking a few rules. Don’t miss this five-time Tony Award-winning musical that is sure to transport its audience to a new world! Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. PIPPIN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and sexual content. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

PIPPIN
Music and lyrics by Steven Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow
Originally directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse
2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus
Theo ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time GRAMMY winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, PIPPIN is the story of a man’s journey to the extraordinary. The son of a king, Pippin is stuck between what is expected of him and the possibilities that forging his own path holds. His epic journey blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, in search of something greater than what he knows. PIPPIN explores themes of identity, purpose, and the joy that comes from breaking a few rules. Don’t miss this five-time Tony Award-winning musical that is sure to transport its audience to a new world! Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. PIPPIN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and sexual content. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

PIPPIN
Music and lyrics by Steven Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow
Originally directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse
2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus
Theo ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time GRAMMY winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, PIPPIN is the story of a man’s journey to the extraordinary. The son of a king, Pippin is stuck between what is expected of him and the possibilities that forging his own path holds. His epic journey blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, in search of something greater than what he knows. PIPPIN explores themes of identity, purpose, and the joy that comes from breaking a few rules. Don’t miss this five-time Tony Award-winning musical that is sure to transport its audience to a new world! Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. PIPPIN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and sexual content. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

PIPPIN
Music and lyrics by Steven Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow
Originally directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse
2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus
Theo ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time GRAMMY winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, PIPPIN is the story of a man’s journey to the extraordinary. The son of a king, Pippin is stuck between what is expected of him and the possibilities that forging his own path holds. His epic journey blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, in search of something greater than what he knows. PIPPIN explores themes of identity, purpose, and the joy that comes from breaking a few rules. Don’t miss this five-time Tony Award-winning musical that is sure to transport its audience to a new world! Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. PIPPIN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and sexual content. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

International Guitar Night, celebrating its 26th anniversary, returns this year to the Forbes Center with a dynamic lineup! This concert features the awe-inspiring, multiple classical competition winner, Lucas Imbiriba (Brazil), whose music blends flamenco fire, Latin rhythms, classical melodies, and rock energy into breathtaking performances; Stephanie Jones (Australia), the acclaimed classical guitarist known for her expressive performances; Alexandr Misko (Russia), a modern fingerstyle innovator whose percussive techniques and viral videos have captivated audiences, and Taimane (Hawaii), who redefines the ukulele with her genre-spanning artistry, blending classical, rock, and Polynesian influences. IGN is a gathering of individuals who captivate on their own and then blow away the audience when they perform together!